These 19 Car Brands Had the Most Lemon Law Claims in California—Is Yours on the List?

A 2022 study reveals which automakers topped the charts for defects, breakdowns, and Lemon Law complaints in California.

Think Your Car Brand Is Safe? Think Again.

If you could avoid ending up with a lemon just by checking a report, would you do it? A 2022 study called the Auto Lemon Index analyzed data from 2018 through 2021 to reveal which automakers were most frequently sued under California’s Lemon Law. The results might surprise even the most brand-loyal drivers.

General Motors topped the list with the most lemon lawsuits per vehicle sold, while Toyota came out as the least sued—making GM buyers about 26 times more likely to file a lemon claim than Toyota owners. This isn’t just trivia. If you’re shopping for a car or stuck with one that keeps going back to the shop, knowing where your brand ranks could save you thousands.

Let’s break down the findings and what they mean for car owners.

What Is the Auto Lemon Index and What Did It Study?

The Auto Lemon Index is a report created by CALPIRG Education Fund, the Consumers for Auto Reliability and Safety (CARS) Foundation, and Frontier Group. It analyzed 34,397 lemon lawsuits filed in California state courts between 2018 and 2021.

The study focused on comparing how often different automakers were sued relative to how many vehicles they sold. With over 7 million new cars registered in California during that time, only about 0.5% led to a lemon lawsuit. Still, the report found massive differences in lawsuit frequency by brand.

In short, the Index doesn’t just show how many lemons exist—it shows which car companies are most likely to end up in court over them.

Ranked: The 19 Auto Brands With the Most Lemon Lawsuits

Here’s how each major automaker performed in California from 2018 to 2021, ranked by how often they were sued under Lemon Law relative to cars sold. Lower numbers mean more lawsuits per vehicle sold.

The disparity is eye-opening. GM owners were 26 times more likely to end up in court over a lemon than Toyota buyers. Brands like Jaguar, Chrysler, and Ford also scored poorly, while Subaru, Tesla, Mazda, and Toyota landed at the safer end of the spectrum.

If you’re looking for peace of mind, these rankings should be part of your car-buying checklist. And if your car is already acting up, it might be time to find out if it qualifies under Lemon Law.

Why Are Some Brands Sued More Than Others?

Some brands get sued more because their vehicles break down more often. It starts with design or manufacturing flaws—poor engineering leads to recurring problems. But it doesn’t stop there. Many dealers delay repairs, deny issues, or send cars back without fixing anything. That frustrates owners who already paid thousands.

Then there’s the warranty itself. Some expire too quickly or come with confusing exclusions. Meanwhile, better manufacturers back their products, fix issues fast, and treat customers fairly. Others stall until you’re out of warranty—or patience.

When these factors combine, owners feel they have no choice but to take legal action. The problem isn’t always the defect. It’s how the brand responds once it shows up.

Is a Lemon Lawsuit the Only Option?

Not every Lemon ends in court—and that’s a good thing. Many car owners resolve their problems through repeated repairs, a dealer buyback, or a cash settlement before filing a lawsuit.

But here’s the catch: most people don’t know what their rights are. Some wait too long. Others trust the dealership to “make it right” and lose valuable legal leverage.

Lawsuits are rare—less than 0.5% of California cars sold—but knowing your options early can help you avoid needing one.

What Exactly Qualifies as a Lemon Under California Law?

California’s Lemon Law is called the Song-Beverly Consumer Warranty Act. It protects buyers of new and some used vehicles—as long as the problem happens under the manufacturer’s warranty.

To qualify, the defect must substantially affect the vehicle’s use, value, or safety. One of the following also needs to happen:

• 2 or more failed repair attempts for a serious safety issue
  
• 4 or more attempts for the same recurring problem
  
• 30 or more total days in the shop (even if not consecutive)
  

The defect must not be caused by abuse, unauthorized repairs, or accidents. And you must give the manufacturer a fair chance to fix it.

Bottom line: If the car can’t be fixed and you’ve got the proof, the law’s on your side.

What If You Missed the Warranty Period? 

Lemon Law only protects issues that are first detected and reported during the manufacturer’s original warranty period. That’s a critical detail many owners miss. Waiting too long—hoping the problem resolves itself—can mean losing your legal protection altogether.

In California, you typically have four years from the first sign of the defect to file a Lemon Law claim. But that window only matters if the issue was documented while the warranty was still active.

Don’t gamble on time. If something feels wrong, bring it in, report it clearly, and make sure it’s recorded in writing. If you’re unsure about your coverage, check your delivery date, mileage, and warranty terms now—then take action fast.

What to Do If You Suspect You Bought a Lemon 

If you suspect your car is a lemon, start by tracking every issue. Keep a written log of how the car behaves—noises, warning lights, stalling, anything unusual. Write down dates, symptoms, and how it affects driving.

Save every repair order, receipt, text message, or voicemail from the dealer. If you hear “can’t replicate” or “it’s normal,” make sure your original complaint is written down. Don’t leave the service center without paperwork.

After 2–4 failed repair attempts—or 30 days in the shop—send a final notice email to the manufacturer. That creates a paper trail they can’t ignore.

Still unsure? Contact a Lemon Law attorney for a free review. Most don’t charge you anything unless you win.

How to File a Lemon Law Claim in California

Filing a Lemon Law claim doesn’t require a law degree—just the right steps and solid documentation.

• Step 1: Gather all paperwork—repair orders, warranty documents, dealership notes, and your service history.
• Step 2: Send a final written notice to the manufacturer, giving them one last chance to fix the issue.
• Step 3: Schedule a free consultation with a Lemon Law attorney. In California, most work on a contingency basis, so you pay nothing upfront.
• Step 4: If you have a case, your attorney will notify the manufacturer and handle the negotiations. Most cases settle out of court.
• Step 5: You may receive a buyback, replacement vehicle, or a cash compensation offer—depending on your situation.

The sooner you act, the stronger your case.

Conclusion: Know the Risk, Protect Your Investment

Not all automakers are created equal—some rack up lawsuits far more than others. That’s why it pays to know where your brand stands. Whether you’re still researching or already dealing with problems, understanding your Lemon Law rights can save you time, money, and stress.

Take our free 2-minute quiz to see if your vehicle qualifies—or download the Lemon Law Blueprint and learn the exact steps that get results.